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ALLEGANY-LIMESTONE GATORS COACH

SCHEDULE

September 4.................7:00 pm ��vs. Cardinal-O’Hara September 11................7:00 pm ��vs. Chautauqua Lake/W/B September 18................7:00 pm ��at Southwestern/Frewsburg (at Frewsburg) September 25...............7:00 pm ��at Fredonia October 2......................7:00 pm �� vs. Falconer/CV/MG October 9......................7:00 pm �� vs. Salamanca October 16.....................7:00 pm �� at Franklinville/Ellicottville (at E’ville) October 24.....................1:30 pm ��at Clymer/Sherman/Panama (at Panama)

Marcus Grove (5th Year, 12-23)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Allegany-Limestone/Hinsdale has boosted its numbers, with 34 varsity players in the second year of a football merger. • A-L quarterback Tayden Margeson, now a sophomore, completed 57.5% of his passes for 585 yards in his freshman season. • The Gators are set to play all 4 home games in Hinsdale this year amid renovations to the Allegany-Limestone fields.

Position QB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL

Name Tayden Margeson Aidan Coulter Jax Amore Nolan Zink Ryan Callen Greg Peck Isaiah Fisher Conner Crowley Sam Mathanakaran Jayden Thornton

Grade Soph. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

Height 5-8 5-11 5-7 5-9 6-2 6-2 5-9 5-10 6-2 5-11

Weight 155 195 165 175 165 175 215 225 185 215

Smethport • Kane • Mt. Jewett • Eldred Bradford • Olean • St. Marys • Sheffield

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ALLEGANY-LIMESTONE GATORS

threw a touchdown pass (to Mat Burnett and Sawyer Prince). Seeded 8th in the Class D playoffs, A-L went home with a 56-0 first-round loss to then-undefeated Newfane.

2026 OUTLOOK

2025 RECAP Allegany-Limestone’s first year back in 11-man football (and first merging its program with Hinsdale) since 2022 was a difficult one, as the Gators finished winless at 0-9. The season started with a 49-8 non-league loss to Portville/C-R/B-R in a renewal of the “Rocking Chair Rivalry.” League play proved difficult as well in Section 6 Class D, finishing 0-7. The closest game of the season came in Week 3, a 28-12 defeat to Franklinville/Ellicottville where Tayden Margeson and Dylan Schultz each

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

Coming off the winless campaign, A-L/Hinsdale has nowhere to go but up, but coach Marcus Grove knows the Gators have to prove themselves. Among the returners are A-L’s top two rushers from ‘25, Aidan Coulter and Nolan Zink. A-L’s numbers are on the rise, including 34 total players and 11 of them with starting experience on either side of the ball, or both. The Gators will face a more traditional set of opponents this year in Section 6 Class C South. The first chance to end the losing skid comes against Cardinal O’Hara, a non-league kickoff. “I think that last year taught us a lot,” Grove said. “A lot of those guys could have thrown it in the bag, could have quit, could have walked away … all of our guys continued to show up week-in and week-out and give their best effort to try and change that script, to try and get better for this year.”

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

August 27, 2026

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

No. 18 Penn State ready for fresh start under Matt Campbell By Travis Johnson Associated Press

...............................................

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State’s 2025 season ended with a four-game winning streak including a victory over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl, but that came after a 7-6 overall record and the firing of longtime coach James Franklin through the season. The Nittany Lions hired Matt Campbell from Iowa State. He has retooled the staff and roster and there’s a sense of hope around the program

with competition at almost every spot. The Nittany Lions open the season at home against Marshall on Sept. 5.

Expectations Penn State is starting fresh with new coach Matt Campbell who’s spent the last few months reassembling a program that crumbled last season.

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

After entering 2025 as College Football Playoff hopefuls, the Nittany Lions went flat to start Big Ten play. Longtime coach James Franklin was fired following losses to UCLA and Northwestern in October and a staff and player exodus followed before Campbell was hired in December. The former Iowa State coach retained beloved interim coach and longtime assistant Terry Smith, hired defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn from USC and relied on the transfer portal to find proven play-

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ers, many of them coming with him from Ames. Fifty players also opted to stay, among them star linebacker Tony Rojas, eager to prove last year was an aberration. The Nittany Lions have enough talent to compete against anyone on what initially appears to be a light schedule lacking Big Ten heavyweights No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon and No. 6 Indiana. There are road trips to No. 16 Michigan and No. 17 Washington.

August 27, 2026

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

FROM PAGE 5

Penn State

Strengths include chemistry on offense Former Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht brings veteran experience and will be supported by familiar faces on what should be a steady offense with plenty of options. Coordinator Taylor Mauser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters are both Iowa State vets as are receivers Chase Sowell and Brett Eskildsen. Tight ends Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle also played with Becht last year. Andrew Rappleyea returns to round out a reliable tight end group that should allow the offense to establish a physical identity. Hard-charging running

back Carson Hansen transferred from Iowa State and will likely share the backfield with former Ohio State back James Peoples who’s been a standout in training camp.

Weaknesses lurk up front where potential starters are unproven The Nittany Lions are thin on proven players along the defensive line. A combined 14 tackles and ends either saw their eligibility expire or transferred. Campbell used the portal to add bodies, including five players who combined to play 55 games last season. Among them is eighth-year journeyman Siale Taupaki from UCLA. Campbell and Lynn are

August 27, 2026

banking on the potential of players like returning sophomore Yvan Kemajou, who notched 12 tackles, five for loss and 1 1/2 sacks in 10 games as a true freshman last year, and Max Granville, who was out last season with an injury, to solidify the front. On the offensive side, Anthony Donkoh returns up front to propel the running game and protect Penn State’s quarterbacks. Guard Cooper Cousins started alongside Donkoh twice last year, but the Nittany Lions will likely rely on three new faces at the other spots with Texas State transfer Brock Riker emerging as the group’s center.

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

New faces Becht (transfer from Iowa State), RB Hansen (transfer from Iowa State), RB Peoples (transfer from Ohio State), WR Sowell (transfer from Iowa State), DT Taupaki (transfer from UCLA).

Key losses RB Kaytron Allen (NFL), RB Nicholas Singleton (NFL), DT Zane Durant (NFL), LB Amare Campbell (transferred to Tennessee), S Zakee Wheatley (NFL).

Biggest games for the Nittany Lions Vs. No. 14 USC (Oct. 10), at No. 16 Michigan (Oct. 17), at No. 17 Washington (Nov. 7).

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

CATTARAUGUS-LITTLE VALLEY TIMBERWOLVES COACH

SCHEDULE

September 4.................7:00 pm ��@ Portville/C-R/B-R (at Bolivar) September 11................7:00 pm �� vs. St. Mary’s September 18................7:00 pm �� @ Franklinville/Ellicottville (at E’ville) September 25...............7:00 pm ��vs. Silver Creek/Forestville October 2......................7:00 pm �� @ Wilson October 10.....................1:30 pm �� @ Clymer/Sherman/Panama (at Clymer) October 16.....................7:00 pm ��vs. Newfane October 23....................7:00 pm ��vs. Randolph

Kory Gross (1st Year, 0-0)

Position QB/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB TE/DB OL/DL RB/DL WR/DB

BY THE NUMBERS

• The Timberwolves return 10 letterwinners, all of them with starting experience including five seniors, from a team that went 2-7 last fall. • New coach Kory Gross is a CLV grad and played on the program’s last sectional title-winning team in 2006. • Nyquon Boswell returns as CLV’s second-leading rusher (273 yards), leading receiver (125 yards) and thirdleading tackler (46) last season.

Name Tucker Barrick Nyquon Boswell Theron Crawford Diondrae Diaz Braxton Rubin Blayk Taylor Dylan Terhune Brayden Whited Riley Vosburgh Caleb Aguiar

Grade Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

Height 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-4 5-7 5-11

Weight 190 215 165 175 220 170 200 320 195 180

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2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

August 27, 2026

CATTARAUGUS-LITTLE VALLEY TIMBERWOLVES touchdowns. Second-seeded Wilson eliminated CLV in a 22-0 quarterfinal the following week. Senior Grady Merrill, one of 13 T-Wolves to graduate from the squad, earned a spot on the Big 30 All-Star team for his efforts on the defensive line, where he made 12 sacks and 60 total tackles.

2026 OUTLOOK 2025 RECAP At 2-7, last fall marked Cattaraugus-Little Valley’s first multi-win season since 2017 as the Timberwolves took a step toward more competitive football. The season opened with a 28-12 non-league victory over JFK (Cheektowaga). CLV would not win again for six weeks, however, struggling in Class D league play until Week 8. The T-Wolves capped the regular season with a 30-8 win over Allegany-Limestone/Hinsdale, in which running back Dylan Swanson broke loose for 131 yards and two

A new boss takes over the Timberwolves in 2026, with Kory Gross, a former CLV assistant coach and youth coach, taking over after Mark Benton accepted the head coaching job at Springville. Gross’ team has a handful of experienced juniors and seniors looking to build on strong seasons a year ago, including leading receiver Nyquon Boswell and quarterback Tucker Barrick. A 2007 CLV grad, Gross wants to restore the team “back to where it was when I played for the program,” emphasizing a tight-knit program on and off the field and “aggressive, smash-mouth football” on the field. “I’m expecting our kids to come out as attacking on offense and defense,” he said.

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FRANKLINVILLE/ELLICOTTVILLE TITANS COACH

SCHEDULE

September 4.................7:00 pm �� vs. Southwestern/Frewsburg September 11................7:00 pm �� @ Wilson September 18................7:00 pm �� vs. Cattaraugus-Little Valley September 25...............7:00 pm ��@ Newfane October 2......................7:00 pm �� @ Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton October 9......................7:00 pm ��vs. Randolph October 16.....................7:00 pm ��vs. Allegany-Limestone

Justin Tatlow (3rd year, 8-12)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Finished 2-7 last season • Had two season ending injuries early last year • 2024 — Two years ago, F/E made a section title game appearance

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

October 23....................7:00 pm ��@ Silver Creek/Forestville

Position WR/DB OL/DL OL/RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL RB/DB QB/LB OL/WR/LB WR/DB

Name Rylan Benjamin Mason Blecha Brenden MacWilliams Sawyer Miller Grayson Neal Dominic Polino Blake Smith Brady Tatlow Zachary Brennan Maxx Goss

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

August 27, 2026

Height – – – – – – – – – –

Weight – – – – – – – – – –

FRANKLINVILLE/ELLICOTTVILLE TITANS 2025 RECAP Franklinville/Ellicottville’s 2-7 record from a year ago tells the story of a struggling team. It doesn’t necessarily tell the story of what the team could have become. What was always meant to be a rebuilding season was challenged and then derailed by injuries, particularly for a squad that was already relatively shorthanded coming into the year. Multiple starters suffered season-ending injuries, while several others missed multiple games. At times, wide receivers and running backs were forced to play offensive and defensive line. By the end of the season, F/E was simply trying to make it to the finish line. They’re hoping that internal improvement, and a bit of plain injury luck will put them down a better path in 2026.

2026 OUTLOOK The Titans now enter 2026 hoping to find out what they can do with a healthier version of that group,

August 27, 2026

one that’s also a year older and a year more experienced. A strong senior class gives them several important pieces back, including quarterback Brady Tatlow, running back Blake Smith, receiver Rylan Benjamin and lineman Mason Blecha. There are also players returning who were forced into significant roles last season, along with a group of younger players eager to contribute. For a program that still expects to have only numbers in the 20s, health will remain critical. But the experience gained from last year’s adversity could prove valuable if F/E is able to avoid a similar injury toll. With an experienced core backed up by talented younger players, Franklinville/Ellicottville is hoping it can enjoy a significant turnaround in 2026.

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

OLEAN HUSKIES COACH

SCHEDULE

September 4................. 7:00 pm �� vs. Pioneer September 11................7:00 pm ��@ Depew September 18................7:00 pm ��vs. Portville/C-R/B-R September 24................7:00 pm ��@ East Aurora/Holland October 2......................7:00 pm �� vs. Iroquois October 9......................7:00 pm �� @ Dunkirk October 16.....................7:00 pm ��vs. Cheektowaga October 23....................7:00 pm ��@ Lackawanna

Terry Burrows (1st year, 0-0)

BY THE NUMBERS • 4 — the last four years, Olean had quarterback Joe Mest under center • 5 — Number of Olean games last season determined by one possession • 15 — Years that Terry Burrows worked with Olean’s coaching staff

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

Position OL/DL TE/DE FB/DE RB/DB QB/S WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB OL/LB

Name Danny Armijo Colby Booth Oliver Curcio Maison Hirliman Dominik Myers Alex Jones Ethan Woodring Tyler Sullivan Liam Ruggles Owen Tingley

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

August 27, 2026

Height 6-2 6-2 5-9 5-9 6-2 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-8

Weight 191 200 178 145 167 170 180 150 140 154

OLEAN HUSKIES

2025 RECAP

Olean’s 2025 season was one where its senior core had a chance for an encore. They weathered an injury to key receiver Austin Miles on their first offensive play of the season, and multiple close losses to finish 4-5 on the year. The Huskies enjoyed standout performances from now graduated quarterback Joe Mest and wide receiver Mykel Rivera. They went 4-3 in league play, and held their first six opponents under 30 points under then defensive coordinator Terry Burrows.

2026 OUTLOOK Replacing a four-year starting quarterback would be enough of a challenge on its own. The Huskies are doing it while also breaking in a first-year head coach and a young roster, putting sophomore quarterback Dominik Myers at the center of a season defined by transition. Yet inside the Olean program, there is little sense that transition means lowering expectations. Athleticism and exuberance run throughout the ros-

August 27, 2026

ter, and with it comes a belief that this group can still make its mark in league play. The Huskies will also have to replace pieces along the offensive and defensive lines and find production in the backfield. One of the key new players in the backfield that Burrows mentioned was Mason Hirliman, the younger brother of Domonick, who started at tailback for the Huskies last season. Olean is also counting on several players with limited football experience to make immediate contributions. Burrows pointed to seniors Alex Jones and Ethan Woodring, both of whom have been successful athletes in other sports, as players who could bring a new dimension to the roster. Junior Tyler Sullivan is also expected to make an impact at free safety after replacing Mest on the defensive side. It’ll be an inexperienced group for Burrows’ first season in charge, but one with plenty of athleticism and hunger to lead Olean to a winning season.

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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PORTVILLE/CUBA-RUSHFORD/BOLIVAR-RICHBURG PANTHERS COACH

SCHEDULE

September 4.................7:00 pm �� vs. Cattaraugus-Little Valley September 11................7:00 pm ��@ GPVC (CO-OP) September 18................7:00 pm ��@ Olean September 25...............7:00 pm ��vs. FCVMG (CO-OP) October 3......................2:00 pm ��@ CCSP (CO-OP) October9.......................7:00 pm ��vs. Fredonia October 16.....................7:00 pm �� vs. Southwestern/Frewsburg October 24.....................7:00 pm �� @ Salamanca

Josh Brooks (9th year, 46-27)

BY THE NUMBERS

• 4-1: Portville’s record to finish the 2025 regular season • 4: Number of games Portville scored 35+ points last season • 6: Number of times Portville has finished with a winning record in the last seven years under Brooks

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

Position OL/DL QB/DB TE/LB RB/LB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB

Name James Askey Peyton Carter Dylan Wenke Stanley Gilchrist Logan Englehardt James Gleason Wyatt Tyler Hayden Schappacher Ethan Miller

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

August 27, 2026

Height 6-4 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-10 5-8 5-11 5-10 6-1

Weight 240 170 185 170 275 135 195 160 160

PORTVILLE/CUBA-RUSHFORD/BOLIVAR-RICHBURG PANTHERS

2025 RECAP

The Panthers finished 5-3 in the regular season last year after a 1-2 start. They lost several important contributors, including running back Jake Ziegler, who carried a heavy workload, and day 1 starting quarterback Aidan DeFazio. Down the stretch, the Panthers relied on their run game and defense to turn the season around, and they were able to do so successfully, starting with an upset victory over Salamanca. That turnaround occurred with then junior quarterback Peyton Carter behind center, who took over after a back injury to DeFazio. There is internal optimism that the program has enough returning experience and emerging talent to repeat, or even expand upon last year’s success.

2026 OUTLOOK When Portville coach Josh Brooks describes his upcoming 2026 Portville squad, he doesn’t see it as one built around a single, overwhelming talent. Rather, it’s a collection of athletes set to lead the Panthers’ program for years to come.

August 27, 2026

“We have a bunch of sophomores that are going to get some quality time for us,” Brooks said. “We’re excited about that. We have a freshman we’re going to bring up to varsity. They’ve all really impressed early on.” That youth is being mixed with a group of players who have returned to the program after spending multiple years away from football, giving Portville a collection of new and returning pieces that Brooks believes can help shape the team beyond just the upcoming season. “We’re going to let you guys compete. We don’t care how old you are. The best kid’s going to play,” Brooks said. “Lots of different exciting pieces to the puzzle.” Portville’s players are starting to see the same potential. “I think even after this year, this team’s gonna lead Portville forward to a lot of success for years to come,” senior linebacker James Askey said.

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

RANDOLPH CARDINALS COACH

SCHEDULE

September 4..................7 p.m. �� vs. Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton September 11.................7 p.m. ��at Newfane September 19................2 p.m. �� at St. Mary’s (Lancaster) September 25................7 p.m. ��vs. Salamanca October 2.......................7 p.m. ��vs. Silver Creek/Forestville October 9.......................7 p.m. ��at Franklinville/Ellicottville October 16.....................7 p.m. �� vs. Wilson October 24.....................7 p.m. ��at Cattaraugus-Little Valley

Nate Armella (2nd year, 5-4)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Randolph registered a winning record (5-3 regular season) in year one under Nate Armella, who replaced 12th-year boss Brent Brown as head coach. • The Cardinals return three Section 6 Class D all-stars from 2025: Carter Conley (First Team) and Syrai Johnson and Alex Garland (Second Team). • Carter Conley was one of 2 Cardinals to earn First Team All-State honors last fall (the other was Izaias Dowdy).

Position TE/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DE QB/DB OL/LB OL/DL WR/LB WR/DB PWR/DB

Name Carter Conley Alex Garland Hayden Bruyere Christian Hayes Davion Johnson Easton Pence Josiah Neal Grady Huntington Syrai Johnson Chris Smith

Grade Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr.

Height 6-4 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-11 6-2 5-10 5-10

Weight 230 185 175 185 185 170 210 170 150 165

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2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

August 27, 2026

RANDOLPH CARDINALS 2026 OUTLOOK

2025 RECAP Randolph opened the ‘25 season 3-0 and 4-1 with victories over Silver Creek/Forestville and F/E. After suffering a few injuries, the Cardinals dropped three of their last four games, including a rematch with SC/F in the Section 6 Class D quarterfinals (20-0), but still earned a top-half league finish (fourth place) and secured a winning record in the first year under new head coach and former defensive coordinator Nate Armella. “Given the injuries and inexperience we had on the roster, it was a successful season,” Armella said.

August 27, 2026

Now entering year two in Armella’s system, Randolph is already much further ahead than where it was a year ago at this time, the head coach maintained. The Cardinals are now trying to build off last year’s solid 5-4 finish ... and believe they have the pieces to do so. The chief reason for optimism is the return of tight end/defensive end Carter Conley, a First Team AllState selection last year and a physical specimen at 6-4, 230 pounds. Randolph did loses a handful of key players from last year’s team, including three-year starting quarterback Jaxon Morrison, but welcome back nine total starters, including all-league selections Syrai Johnson and Alex Garland, who made the all-star team on defense, but figure to take on much bigger roles offensively this season. Garland, especially, is poised for a big year at running back, Armella said, now that he’ll no longer be playing behind departed standout RB Kevin McElwain. The Cardinals, who have become more of multithreat (rather than a run-heavy team) under Armella, will move Davion Johnson into the starting quarterback role this year and are excited about his potential.

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

SALAMANCA WARRIORS COACH

SCHEDULE

September 4.................7:00 pm ��vs. Springville September 11................7:00 pm �� @ Southwestern/Frewsburg September 18................7:00 pm �� vs. Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton September 25...............7:00 pm ��@ Randolph October 2......................7:00 pm ��vs. Gowanda/Pine Valley October 9......................7:00 pm �� @ Allegany-Limestone October 15.....................7:00 pm ��@ Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove

Chad Bartoszek (7th Year, 46-18)

BY THE NUMBERS

• The Warriors made the state championship game in 2024, a second Class C final in program history after 1999. • Coming off a perfect regular season in ‘24, Salamanca went 5-4 in 2025. • Salamanca’s quarterback will be starting his first game, as the Warriors look to replace Big 30 All-Star Peyton Bradley.

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

October 24.....................7:00 pm ��vs. Portville/Cuba-Rushford/Bolivar-Richburg

Position RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB TE WR/DB RB OL/DE QB OL/DL

Name Conner Seeley Warrick John Kasen Hardy Quinten Brown Cam Bowser Remy Follman Kylan Jacobson Donovan Terhune Jayden Romero Drake Phearsdorf

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

August 27, 2026

Height 5-11 6-2 6-3 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-3 5-10 5-9 6-1

Weight 180 250 290 180 190 185 190 240 175 270

SALAMANCA WARRIORS

2025 RECAP

Salamanca had something of a down season last year, if only by the extremely high standards established by coach Chad Bartoszek. They made the state semifinals in 2023, and the state finals in 2024, but had a 5-4 season in 2025 where they suffered a first round loss in the playoffs. The Warriors started the season 4-0, before struggling down the stretch. Their biggest replacement need will be at quarterback, where the Warriors started dual threat weapon Payton Bradley last season.

2026 OUTLOOK Despite uncertainty with who will take over from graduated quarterback Payton Bradley, Salamanca’s players will tell you that overall, they believe this team is better than last year’s outfit. Their most obvious areas of strength are on the offensive and defensive lines, where the Warriors think their collective size and strength can dominate games in the middle. They bring back returners on the line such as Warrick John and Drake Phearsdorf, and have

August 27, 2026

talent coming up from JV. They also boast a strong running back group behind that line. That, combined with familiarity in Salamanca’s system, which they try to keep as uniform as possible across all levels, provides the Warriors confidence in their offense in 2026. The favorite for the starting quarterback job appears to be senior Jayden Romero. The Warriors still have to replace several key graduates, including at the quarterback position. And in a very competitive Section VI, there’s never a guarantee of a deep run. The Warriors believe they are stronger in the weight room, deeper in the backfield and more imposing along the lines. They believe they have enough athleticism to make plays in the passing game, regardless of who ultimately wins the quarterback job.

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

With QB Angeli healthy, Brown-coached Syracuse seeks to rebound from 3-9 season SYRACUSE (AP) — Expectations are mixed at best regarding Syracuse’s football program, which essentially resembles Fran Brown’s first two seasons coaching the Orange. After raising hopes following a 10-3 finish in Brown’s first year, the Orange utterly unraveled by going 3-9 last season in which they lost eight straight, including a 70-7 loss at Notre Dame. The skid immediately fol-

lowed Syracuse losing starting quarterback Steve Angeli (torn Achilles). But that wasn’t the only issue. The defense was among the worst in the nation against the run, while also grading poorly against the pass. Angeli is back and healthy, and Brown padded the position with experience. Brown also targeted upgrading numerous positions with the addition of 19 transfers,

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

while also shuffling his coaching staff. The betting line has Syracuse at 4.5 wins with a schedule that includes No. 4 Notre Dame, No. 19 SMU, No. 24 Louisville and Pittsburgh. A .500 record and being bowl eligible would be considered a success.

Strengths including cornerbacks The Orange return both CB starters in Chris Peal and Demetres Samuel,

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

who are already being projected as being among the ACC’s top tandems. There is also more depth at quarterback in the event Angeli goes down again with the additions of Amari Odom (Kennesaw State), Malachi Nelson (UTEP) and Danny Lauter (Georgetown). The receiver position continues to be a strong

August 27, 2026

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

FROM PAGE 19

Syracuse State), DT Dillan Fontus (transfer from Maryland), DT Tunmise Adeleye (transfer from UNLV), LB Chris D’Appolonia (transfer from Toledo), defensive coordinator Vince Kehres, whose Toledo defense ranked No. 2 nationally in 2025.

point. Despite losing Johntay Cook and Darrell Gill Jr. to Ole Miss, the newcomers include transfers Elijah Moore (Florida State) and Cole Weaver (Miami). The receiver group, however, took a hit with top recruit Calvin Russell potentially lost for the season after tearing his Achilles during spring practices.

Key losses

Weaknesses include the trenches The Orange return three projected starters from an offensive line that had issues opening holes and in protection last year. The defensive line also has much room for improvement after Syracuse

managed just 20 sacks last season and allowed 175 yards rushing per game. Questions hover in the offensive backfield, with Syracuse losing its top two rushers from last season. Much depends on having

a healthy quarterback. The Orange combined to score 89 points in their final eight games minus Angeli.

New faces

WRs Johntay Cook and Darrell Gill (transferred to Ole Miss), RB Yasin Willis (transferred to Kansas), RB Will Nixon (graduation), P Jack Stonehouse (graduation).

Biggest games for the Orange Vs. Louisville (Oct. 17), vs. SMU (Oct. 31), vs. Notre Dame (Nov. 28).

WR Elijah Moore (transfer from Florida

Good luck to all of our local high school football teams! We wish you a safe and successful season.

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WELLSVILLE LIONS COACH

SCHEDULE

September 4.................7:00 pm ��@ Midlakes September 11................7:00 pm ��@ Hornell/Arkport-Canaseraga September 18................7:00 pm �� vs. Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry September 25...............7:00 pm ��@ Livonia October 2......................7:00 pm �� vs. Bath/Haverling October 9......................7:00 pm ��@ Le Roy/Caledonia-Mumford October 16.....................7:00 pm �� vs. Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton October 23....................7:00 pm �� vs. Alexander/Pembroke

Tim Keenan (4th year, 10-15)

BY THE NUMBERS

• The Lions, Allegany County’s only Section 5 team this year, are entering their second year back in 11-man football and third year welcoming Genesee Valley and Belfast athletes. • After making the playoffs last year (finishing 4-5), Wellsville will seek its first winning season since its sectional title-winning year of 2011. • Coach Tim Keenan expects to have a roster 30 players deep this fall.

Position LB/WR OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL

Name Damon Davis Cole Densmore Wyatt Green Bryan Kear Tyler Rahr Jaden Brown Spencer Rambaran-Kays David Lamberson Ryan Sturm Pierre Lussier

Grade Sr. – Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Soph. Sr. Jr.

Height 5-11 – 5-8 5-10 5-9 6-1 5-9 6-1 5-0 5-9

Weight 180 205 196 209 208 202 175 165 194 222

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WELLSVILLE LIONS

skid to end the regular season continued into a Section 5 Class C quarterfinal loss to Le Roy/Cal-Mum, 27-21.

2026 OUTLOOK

2025 RECAP Wellsville’s return to 11-man football started more than promisingly: the Lions opened the season with a pair of emphatic wins, 32-14 over Canisteo-Greenwood and 29-12 over Hornell. The season would peak in Week 5 with a thrilling 28-27 victory in Bath over Haverling, coming back from both 13-0 early and 27-21 late, improving to 4-1 past the midpoint of the regular season. But the Lions would not win again, as injuries and resulting key absences started to mount. A three-game

August 27, 2026

The Lions are turning the page a bit as coach Tim Keenan enters his fourth season at the helm, with 13 players graduating from a squad that went 4-5 in 2025. Numbers are still up, however, for Wellsville with 30 varsity players in a grade 10-12 program boosted by the third year of a merger with Genesee Valley and Belfast. Seniors Tyler Rahr, a running back/linebacker, and Damon Davis, a wide receiver/outside linebacker, will serve as co-captains as both gained a wealth of experience last fall. “The senior leadership is making a difference (already). There’s already an expectation as to what we demand in terms of player behavior and conduct in the locker room,” Keenan said. “They don’t dog any reps in practice.”

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

BRADFORD OWLS COACH

SCHEDULE

August 28......................7:00 pm �� @ Punxsutawney September 4.................7:00 pm ��vs. Kane September 11................7:00 pm �� vs. Smethport September 18................7:00 pm �� @ Coudersport September 25...............7:00 pm �� vs. Port Allegany October 2......................7:00 pm ��@ Redbank Valley October 9......................7:00 pm ��@ Brookville October 16.....................7:00 pm ��vs. St. Marys October 23....................7:00 pm ��vs. Brockway October 30....................7:00 pm ��@ Warren

Troy Cook

BY THE NUMBERS

• Bradford also has five additional returning letterwinners; Junior Luke Erickson (OL/DL) and sophomores Brady Rosendahl (QB/S); Max Gow (WR/S); Tevin Watkins (WR/S); and Colton Redington (OL/DL). • Bradford is under the direction of Coach Troy Cook, who has previously coached in Otto-Eldred and for Fretz. • Senior Braylon Austin is ranked in the Top 20 in District 9 Region 2 for receiving yards with 125.

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

Position WR/S RB/LB OL/LB OL/DL WR/DB QB/S OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB

Name Braylon Austin Tommy Langdon Chase Neely Jacob Bange Max Warner Lucas Wallace Braylon Little Kolton Miller Keenan Miller

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

August 27, 2026

Height 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-4 6 6-2 5-8 5-9

Weight 200 195 210 230 170 175 225 135 170

BRADFORD OWLS 2026 OUTLOOK

2025 RECAP Bradford finished the season 1-9 overall, with a victory over Otto-Eldred in game two with a score of 28-16. The team opened the season hosting Port Allegany and scored 33 points against the Gators, who went on to finish the season 12-1 and first in conference. The Owls averaged 13 points per game.

August 27, 2026

The 2026 season will be a whole new experience under a new coach and coaching staff. With 14 returning letterwinners and a roster of 52, the Owls have both depth and experience working in their favor. “Coach Puglio was there quite awhile, there were a lot of good things he did there. And there’s a lot we will change,” Bradford Coach Troy Cook said. “We plan to tweak things. We have a pretty experienced staff coming in with Offensive Line Coach Sean Rounsville; Defensive Coordinator Jim Berlin and Assistants James Yohe, Mike Gau, and Brian South. Rounsville previously coached at Otto-Eldred with Cook; Berlin has coached at both Kane and Smethport and Gau was the long-time head coach at Fretz, “coming out of retirement” to help with the varsity squad. “For us being new coaching staff, and a few not having ties to Bradford, it goes back to evaluation: everyone will be on the same playing field,” Cook said. He noted they are planning to evaluate everyone evenly and “pick the best players to allow us to perform the best on Friday nights.”

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

CAMERON COUNTY RAIDERS COACH

SCHEDULE

August 28......................7:00 pm ��vs. Bucktail September 4.................7:00 pm �� @ Coudersport September 11................7:00 pm ��vs. Kane September 18................7:00 pm �� @ Union/A-C Valley September 25...............7:00 pm �� vs. Otto-Eldred October 2......................7:00 pm �� vs. Ridgway/Johnsonburg October 9......................7:00 pm �� @ Keystone October 16.....................7:00 pm ��@ Brockway October 23....................7:00 pm �� vs. Smethport October 30....................7:00 pm �� vs. Coudersport

Ryan Neyman

BY THE NUMBERS • Cameron County finished first in District 9 Region 4 last year, resulting in a bump to Region 3 this year. • Senior Kamden Fragale had 89 carries for 836 yards during his 2025-26 season. He had 10 touchdowns for the Raiders. • The Raiders open the season hosting Bucktail, who have a new coach and a 32-man roster.

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

Position G/ LB

Name Brodie Artman

Grade Sr.

Height 5-10

Weight 190

DE/WR

Julius Borden

Sr.

6-1

170

G/NG

William Burlingame

Sr.

5-10

185

RB/S

Kamden Fragale

Sr.

6-1

200

QB/CB

Gabe Novak

Sr.

5-10

150

WR/CB

Taylon Tucker

Sr.

6-1

160

RB/LB

Jacob Matteson

Jr.

5-9

170

T/DE

Braxtyn Neyman

Jr.

5-10

180

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

August 27, 2026

CAMERON COUNTY RAIDERS

2025 RECAP

Cameron County battled through the 2025 season with a roster of 22, struggling when injury struck. The Raiders started the season 3-0 before dropping a game to Union/A-C Valley. They rallied for a win over Coudersport, fell to Ridgway/ Johnsonburg and claimed backto-back wins over Bucktail and Brookville before dropping their last three. Cameron County went on to finish first in District 9 Region 4, finishing the season with a 6-5 record (5-1 in conference).

2026 OUTLOOK Cameron County heads into the season with eight returning letterwinners and a total of 29

August 27, 2026

players on the roster, including a number of players from the undefeated junior high team. “We have an influx of freshmen moving up. There are 15 of them, and they are pretty good. We still have a lot of talent in the lines returning also,” Cameron County Coach Ryan Neyman said. “We have one of the premier running backs in the district, Kamden Fragale. We will be in great shape as long as he can stay healthy.” The Raiders’ schedule is very similar to that of 2025, including a trip to Union/A-C Valley. “This is the fourth or fifth time we are traveling to them,” Neyman noted. However, it includes Keystone and Kane this year, with Keystone an away game also. The season winds down with a two-game home stand.

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

COUDERSPORT FALCONS COACH

Scott Easton

BY THE NUMBERS • Senior Colemen Freeman had 49 completions for 546 yards and six touchdowns in the 2025 season. • Coudersport was 3-6 overall in 2024 and ended the season 2-2 in District 9 Region 3. • Coudersport has a roster of 31 players and is under the direction of Coach Scott Easton and Assistant Coach Josiah Gerhart.

SCHEDULE

August 28......................7:00 pm �� @ Port Allegany September 4.................7:00 pm ��vs. Cameron County September 11................7:00 pm �� @ Otto-Eldred September 18................7:00 pm �� vs. Bradford September 25...............7:00 pm ��@ Moniteau October 2......................7:00 pm ��vs. Bucktail October 9......................7:00 pm �� vs. Smethport October 16.....................7:00 pm ��@ Bucktail October 23....................7:00 pm �� vs. Otto-Eldred October 30....................7:00 pm ��@ Cameron County

Position WR/CB WR/CB RB/LB WR/CB QB/MLB TE/DE DE/TE RB/OLB OL/DT DE/C

Name Bradley Stilson Caleb Wonderly Dustin Bailey Jedidiah Horne Colemen Freeman Camden Crum David Ellis Christian Driskell John Lawton Jayden Widmeier

Grade Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

Height 5-9 5-8 5-8 6-3 6 5-11 6 5-8 6 6-1

Weight 129 142 154 171 192 198 176 168 276 222

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COUDERSPORT FALCONS

2025 RECAP

Coudersport dropped 2025’s opener to Moniteau and also fell to Kane in Week 2 in the Falcons’ first home game. Week 4 brought Coudersport’s first victory of the season against Bucktail. The Falcons’ other win came in Week 9, also over Bucktail. Coudersport finished 2-8 overall.

2026 OUTLOOK The Falcons open the season with an away game, traveling to Port Allegany to face the Gators. Week 2 will see Coudy host Cameron County, followed by a trip to Otto-Eldred, a home matchup with Bradford and a trip to Moniteau to round out the September schedule. In October, Coudersport begins with two home games in a row, hosting Bucktail and Smethport, followed by a trip to face Bucktail on its home turf and a game hosting Otto-Eldred. The season wraps up with a game at Cameron County.

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2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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College football rivalries come and go these days; go, more than come By Berry Tramel

Tulsa World, Okla. (TNS)

...............................................

Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey stood before God and Country in Tampa four weeks ago and assumed some obligation. It’s the SEC’s duty to look out for college football, Sankey said.

“Our responsibility is to make principled decisions that strengthen college football, preserve what makes it special, and position it for longterm success,” Sankey said. “Because in just a few weeks all across our 12-state footprint, the stadiums of the Southeastern Conference will come alive again. Families will gather. Tailgates will hap-

pen. Campuses will fill. Rivalries will be renewed. New leaders will emerge. New champions will be crowned. Our responsibility is to preserve everything that makes those moments possible.” To Sankey’s credit, the SEC’s preservation instincts should be lauded. The nine-game conference schedule, implemented this season, will do

wonders for long-lasting rivalries. The nine-game schedule means Tennessee doesn’t have to stop playing ancient foes Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Means the renewed rivalries of Texas-Arkansas and Texas-Texas A&M will keep going. Means AuCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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FROM PAGE 30

College football rivalries

burn-Georgia stays with us. Means Oklahoma-Missouri, staged 85 times in 86 seasons (1910-95), can get back to its annual roots. But more help is needed. The SEC’s nine-game format is not enough to protect all the endangered rivalries. Financial demands and arrogant coaches, playoff politics and plain old hard heads, have conspired to put so many grand games on the shelf. Notre Dame and Southern Cal aren’t playing in 2026, though they’re signed up for four games in 2030-33. The West Virginia-Pittsburgh Backyard Brawl took a break between 2011 and

2022, returned for four games, but now is back on hiatus, until 2029. Texas Christian dropped its Iron Skillet rivalry with Southern Methodist, played 104 times, beginning this season. There are more. Cincinnati/Miami-Ohio, played 128 times, stages its last scheduled game this September. The Oregon State-Oregon Civil War, since 1911 interrupted only by World War II, is off the market, though a four-game contract has been signed starting in 2028. Bedlam, of course, is gone; this will be Year 3 without OU-OSU football. Don’t blame the press. During both SEC Media Days and Big 12 Media

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

Days, a variety of questions centered on the protection of rivalries. “Hopefully we’ll be able to continue this rivalry throughout the future,” Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield said of playing Miami-Ohio. “ Obviously, the higher-ups need to look at it and figure it out, but I think as coaches and players, we love playing in games like that, because everybody is up for it.” Talk is cheap. Coaches speak a good game. I love TCU coach Sonny Dykes, but Dykes literally said this when asked about the TCU-Baylor series: “Look, that’s what makes college football great and unique and different are those

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

rivalries, those games that our fans remember going to when they were students at TCU and their parents went to. All that stuff is really, really, really important. It’s important for us to do everything we can to maintain those rivalries. “Just because of the way conferences are now, many of those don’t exist. It’s a shame that they don’t. It’s a shame that conference realignment has changed some of that, but we have to do everything we can to hold onto them.” But Dykes himself axed the SMU Iron Skillet

August 27, 2026

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

FROM PAGE 32

College football rivalries

Game, which matched ancient opponents 40 miles apart! Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz was asked about OU replacing Arkansas as the Tigers’ annual season finale and also the resumption of the Mizzou-Kansas series, which finishes off a twoyear run in September. Drink joked that future scheduling might be determined by whether the “Cruz, Cantwell (federal) bill gets passed and they make us play regional rivalries.” Drinkwitz also pointed out that it might be better to play your most natural rival (Arkansas, in Missouri’s view) earlier in the season, because “Hell, if

the playoffs expand, the end of the season, you might be resting players. Might not matter as much if you expand to a 64-team tournament like the FIFA World Cup is.” That would be funny if it wasn’t so potentially true. During the SEC’s divisional era, 1992-2023, Tennessee joined Georgia and Florida as the powers of the East. The Volunteers developed great rivalries with the Bulldogs and Gators. But in 2026, Tennessee plays neither. “I think rivalry games absolutely matter,” Vols coach Josh Heupel said. “I think one of the unique things at Tennessee is different eras of our fan base

kind of point to a different game. Could be the Florida game, Alabama game, some other teams as well. “I think the passion, the tradition of some of the games are what make college football unique. But I do also like that as a program and for your fan base, you’re going to have the opportunity every four years to be able to go to every stadium inside of the SEC footprint.” Nothing wrong with new rivalries. OU-Alabama and OU-Ole Miss have been royal fun the first two years of the Sooners’ SEC excursion. OU-Arkansas finally will start getting played next season, the first non-bowl series meeting in more

than 100 years. But losing old rivalries is dicey. OU once had three: Nebraska, Texas, OSU. That’s down to one. Texas went from three — A&M, OU and Arkansas — to one and now is back to three. OSU went from one to zero, though the Cowboys’ contract with Tulsa goes through 2031 and gives OSU an annual foe. In the new Big 12 model, OSU plays no conference opponent every season. The Cowboys see Cincinnati and Central Florida as often as they see Kansas State and Iowa State. That’s life in modern college football, where rivalries come and go. Go more than come.

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2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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KANE WOLVES COACH

SCHEDULE

August 28.......................7:00 pm ��vs. Redbank Valley September 4..................7:00 pm ��at Bradford September 11.................7:00 pm ��at Cameron County September 18................7:00 pm �� vs. Ridgway/Johnsonburg September 25................7:00 pm �� at Keystone October 2.......................7:00 pm �� vs. Otto-Eldred October 9.......................7:00 pm ��vs. Union/Allegheny-Clarion Valley October 16.....................7:00 pm ��at Smethport October 23.....................7:00 pm �� vs. Punxsutawney October 30.....................7:00 pm �� at Brookville

Matt Bodamer (3rd Year, 11-10)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Kane QB Eric Novosel is a returning Big 30 All-Star, having thrown for 11 TDs and scoring 6 on the ground last year. • The Wolves more than doubled their win total from coach Matt Bodamer’s first year (3) with an 8-win second campaign. • Kane returns 9 players with starting experience and 5 more returning letterwinners for 14 total.

Position TE/DE OL/DL TE/LB OL/DL WR/LB WR/DB QB/DB OL/LB OL/DL RB/LB

Name Kahne Jamerson Mason Bernecky Preston Darr Aiden Eckert Haidan Hollebeke Nate McCormack Eric Novosel Damien Wells Mason Avenali Landen Chapman

Grade Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Height 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-2 5-9 6-2 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-10

Weight 200 210 190 230 165 185 170 200 170 165

Good Luck Kane Wolves!

Smethport • Kane • Mt. Jewett • Eldred Bradford • Olean • St. Marys • Sheffield

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

August 27, 2026

KANE WOLVES

defensive lineman Isaiah Smith, who have since graduated, and QB Eric Novosel, who returns in ‘26 to lead Kane as a senior. Anderson ranked among the most productive backs in the area with more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 202 total touchdowns.

2026 OUTLOOK Tessa Boschert Photography

2025 RECAP The Wolves broke through in Year 2 under coach Matt Bodamer starting 3-0 and finishing the season 8-3. Kane ranked 3rd in District 9 Region 3, going 2-3 in league play. Kane finished the regular-season on another 3-game win streak before a 56-7 first-round D9 playoff loss to Keystone. From that winning team, 3 Wolves were selected as Big 30 All-Stars: running back Evan Anderson and

Expectations are high in Kane coming off a breakout 2025 season after the Wolves returned the core of their squad, graduating just five seniors. QB Eric Novosel leads an offense deep on “skill position” talent, including 2025 leading receiver Preston Darr, a tight end. Coach Matt Bodamer will look to multiple running backs to step up to bigger roles, including senior Landen Chapman. Kane moved up to Class AA this year, setting up a potentially different postseason path. A former star QB at Port Allegany, Bodamer stressed balance in running the ball and defensive-minded football: “fast and physical is kind of what we’re getting back to,” he said.

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OTTO-ELDRED TERRORS COACH

SCHEDULE

August 28.......................7 p.m. �� at Smethport September 4..................7 p.m. ��at Bucktail September 11.................7 p.m. ��vs. Coudersport September 18................7 p.m. �� vs. Smethport September 25................7 p.m. �� at Cameron County October 2.......................7 p.m. �� at Kane October 9.......................7 p.m. ��vs. Moniteau October 16.....................7 p.m. �� vs. Union-A/C Valley October 23.....................7 p.m. ��at Coudersport

Brian Neal (1st year, 0-0)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Brian Neal takes the reins at O-E after 8 years as the varsity offensive/defensive line coach at Port Allegany and 1 as the Terrors’ offensive coordinator. • O-E has held a quarterback competition between 2 candidates: Ryan Schenfield, who came into the position last year due to injury, and his cousin, Max Schenfield. • The Terrors return 1 District 9 Region 4 all-star from last fall: junior WR/DB Wyatt Blendinger.

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

Position QB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL QB/DB RB/OL/LB OL/DL PWR/DB OL/DL

Name Mason Schenfield Michael Eaton Wyatt Blendinger Christian Blair Isaac Vincent Ryan Schenfield Silas Knapp Lucas Fleishman Trenton Johnson Pheniox Klein

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

August 27, 2026

Height 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-9 6-2 — — — — —

Weight 155 160 165 165 260 — — — — —

OTTO-ELDRED TERRORS 2026 OUTLOOK

2025 RECAP An already trying season was made even more challenging when O-E’s top player, quarterback Shane Magee, was lost to a season-ending injury in Week 5. Magee still went on to earn D-9, Region 4 all-star honors, but the Terrors, in their lone season under coach Eric Rees, struggled without him, finishing 2-8, with 7 of those 8 losses coming by 27-plus points. O-E did play Bradford tough in a 28-16 Week 2 loss and also had two impressive victories: A 48-22 decision over Coudersport in Week 3 and 58-0 drubbing of Bucktail in Week 6.

August 27, 2026

After securing four winning seasons in five years between 2020-24, Otto-Eldred dipped to a 2-8 mark last fall, but will look to wipe the slate clean with its third head coach in the last three years: Brian Neal, a former long-time Port Allegany assistant who served as the Terrors’ offensive coordinator last fall. O-E lost top player, QB Shane Magee, to graduation, but returns much of its young roster, which gained valuable experience last season and now features five seniors and a solid 14-player junior class, upon which the Terrors will lean heavily. A spread offense program for the last 10-plus years, O-E will now feature more of a balanced attack to better suit this year’s personnel, Neal said. The Terrors entered practice with two players vying for the open QB position: Ryan Schenfield, who took over as a sophomore last year when Magee was lost to injury mid-year, and Ryan’s cousin Max Schenfield. O-E returns one of their top all-around players in Wyatt Blendinger, a D-9, Region 4 all-star in 2025, and starting running back Michael Eaton, who now figures to be part of a two-headed attack at RB alongside side converted guard Silas Knapp.

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

PORT ALLEGANY GATORS COACH

SCHEDULE

August 28......................7 pm �� vs. Coudersport September 4.................7 pm �� at Smethport September 11................7 pm ��vs. Brookville September 18................7 pm ��@ Brockway September 25...............7 pm �� @ Bradford September 2.................7 pm �� vs. Punxsutawney September 10................7 pm ��vs. Redbank Valley September 16................7 pm �� @ Ridgway/Johnsonburg September 23...............7 pm ��@ Karns City September 30...............7 pm ��@ St. Marys

Cliff Fillhart

BY THE NUMBERS

• Port Allegany has five additional returning lettermen: seniors Bryce Fessenden (OL/DL) and Valon McFall (RB/DB); junior Ian Crum (WR/DB) and sophomores Edward Errick (OL/DL) and Lane Gay (WR/DB). • The Gators finished the season 12-1 overall and ranked 81 in PA. • Senior Kellen Veilleux had 84 carries for 663 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in the 2025 season, while he recorded 34 receptions for 606 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Olean Times Herald | The Bradford Era | The Salamanca Press

Position WR/RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL QB/S WR/S OL/DL RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL

Name Ayden Bachman Chase Boyd Ryan Carlson Brennan Fillhart Liam Hawver Gavin Moses Isaac Postlewait Kellen Veilleux Garrin Wright Jackson Young

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Soph. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

August 27, 2026

Height 5-8 5-9 5-11 5-11 6-2 6 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-2

Weight 160 150 195 150 160 200 170 175 215 190

PORT ALLEGANY GATORS

2025 RECAP The Gators went undefeated in regular season in 2025, finishing with a record of 12-1 after a 36-28 loss to Greenville in the PIAA Class A quarterfinals. Port Allegany averaged 48 points per game during the 2025 season, with their lowest scoring game a 27-14 victory over Central Clarion.

2026 OUTLOOK The Gators are under a new head coach this season, Cliff Fillhart. However, with a roster of 33 and 15 returning letterwinners, Port Allegany has depth and experience.

August 27, 2026

“We’re really excited about this season and where we’re at heading into it. We had a very good summer workout program, averaging around 20 kids, and the guys have worked extremely hard,” Fillhart said. “You can see that they’re excited to get out there and prove themselves. We bring back most of our offensive line, which gives us some experience up front, and we also have a lot of team speed. I think that combination gives us a good chance heading into the season. We know we still have a lot of work to do, but we’re excited about this group and looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish. The season opens with a game in Gator territory against Coudersport before Port travels to Smethport for Week 2. Week 3 is a home game with Brookville before back-to-back travel weeks to Brockway and Bradford, respectively. Port hosts Punxsy and Redbank Valley before diving into a trio of away games to wrap up the season. “It’s no secret that we’re going to miss the production and leadership of the senior class from last year. They accomplished a lot, but I think we have a good group of kids this year who are willing to step up and hold each other accountable,” Fillhart noted. “One thing that I think will really help us is experience. Our junior and senior classes have played in multiple District 9 championship games, state playoff games, and even a state championship. That experience is huge for us, especially when you get into those big moments in the game.”

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SMETHPORT HUBBERS COACH

SCHEDULE

August 28.......................7 p.m. ��vs. Otto-Eldred September 4..................7 p.m. ��vs. Port Allegany September 11.................7 p.m. �� at Bradford September 18................7 p.m. �� at Otto-Eldred September 25................7 p.m. ��vs. Bucktail October 2.......................7 p.m. ��at Moniteau October 9.......................7 p.m. ��at Coudersport October 16.....................7 p.m. ��vs. Kane October 23.....................7 p.m. �� at Cameron County

Ryan Yingling (2nd year, 4-6)

BY THE NUMBERS

• Smethport went 4-6 in year one under Ryan Yingling, matching its entire win total from the 2022-24 campaigns (1-8, 2-7, 1-8). • The Hubbers and Cameron County tied atop the D-9 Region 4 standings with matching 4-1 marks, but CC was awarded the division title on a tiebreaker. • Smethport returns the D-9 Region 4 Co-Coach of the Year (Yingling) and 7 all-stars, including RB Jude Kisko.

Position RB/S RB/DB OL/LB RB/LB QB/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL C/DL OL/DL

Name Aiden Tanner Maddox Dickerson Zach Hungiville Jude Kisko Mason Swanson Cole Himes Ian Fitzsimmons Tristan Lenze Cameron Jacoby Brandon Fergeson

Grade Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

Height 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-7

Weight 180 150 180 180 145 280 160 230 220 175

GO HUBS!!! ALL BRANDS AVAILABLE

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2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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SMETHPORT HUBBERS 2026 OUTLOOK

2025 RECAP Ryan Yingling, a former Smethport star who’d coached at every level of Hubbers football over the last 27 years, was named the first time head coach and immediately turned around a struggling program, guiding SHS to a 4-6 mark, which matched the team’s win total from the previous three seasons. The Hubbers won 4 of their last 6 games and came within a late touchdown vs. Kane (28-22 loss) of making it 5 of 6. They tied with Cameron County atop the Region 4 standings at 4-1, but lost the league title on a tiebreaker.

The Hubbers should have every chance to build on last year’s 4-6 season, which in itself was a huge step in the right direction. Why? They ended last year with plenty of momentum, winning their final two games in convincing fashion; entering year two under Yingling, they’re much further along than at this point last fall and they lost only two senior starters from last year’s group. Even this year, Smethport has just three seniors, but despite that relative youth, they welcome back plenty of talent, highlighted by seven District 9 Region 4 all-stars: Aiden Tanner (DB) Jude Kisko (RB), Maddox Dickerson (DB), Zach Hungiville (LB), Ian Fitzsimmons (WR), Tristan Lenze (OT) and Brandon Fergeson (OG). Yingling also returns starting QB Mason Swanson, who “really started hitting his stride about halfway through last season” and lineman Cole Himes, one of Smethport’s three senior leaders alongside Hungiville and Fitzsimmons. With Cameron County now up in Region 3, the Hubbers will look to compete near the top of a league that includes Coudersport, O-E, Bucktail and Moniteau.

Smethport • Kane • Mt. Jewett • Eldred Bradford • Olean • St. Marys • Sheffield

August 27, 2026

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You pay five figures for a Browns seat license, but you can’t sell it for a profit? cleveland.com (TNS)

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Pay thousands of dollars for the right to buy Browns season tickets, keep buying those tickets every year to preserve that right — and if the license becomes more valuable, don’t assume you can profit from selling it. That combination of rules left Today in Ohio

podcast hosts wondering Friday just how much control a buyer really gets from purchasing a personal seat license at the Browns’ planned new stadium in Brook Park. “I’m never going to wrap my head around the idea that you pay for a license to buy tickets to something,” host Chris Quinn said. It’s a fact of life in the NFL, said Lisa Garvin,

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who walked through the rules approved by the Brook Park New Community Authority for personal seat licenses, or PSLs. The license would last 30 years, she said, unless the holder failed to renew season tickets. Buyers would have to purchase their season tickets by an annual deadline to keep the PSL. There would also be a $100-per-seat fee to

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

transfer a PSL to someone outside the family, Garvin said. But the restriction that caught Quinn’s attention was the provision that buyers do not have the right to transfer their PSLs for a profit. That struck him as especially strange because one of the original ideas behind buying

August 27, 2026

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

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FROM PAGE 41

Browns season tickets

Browns PSLs in the 1990s, he said, was that they might someday rise in value. Quinn recalled thinking that if the Browns eventually became successful, the license might become something worth selling. “It never happened,” he said. “They’ve lost value.” The old licenses may not have delivered the investment value some buyers imagined, but Quinn said that does not make the new restriction any easier to understand. “The idea that, that if they increased in value, you’re deprived of the ability to get that,” he said. “I am not even sure how that should be legal.” His point was a question about ownership. If a fan pays for the license, Quinn said, why should the seller continue controlling what the buyer can receive for it later? “They’re trying to block that. I’m not quite following how they can get away with that.” Garvin had another complaint. She said prices for the Browns’ new PSLs have not yet been announced, but pointed to Buffalo, where licenses at the Bills’ new stadi-

um ranged from $750 to $50,000. If Browns licenses reach five figures in some sections, Garvin said, she would expect at least one major perk that the rules do not guarantee. “If they’re talking five figures for some of these PSLs, I want a guarantee for a Super bowl seat,” she said. There is no such guarantee. That sent Quinn back to the broader absurdity he sees in the PSL system. In most transactions, a customer pays for the product or service itself. Here, the customer pays first for the right to make another purchase — and can lose that right by failing to keep making the second purchase. “What other industry does this,” Quinn asked. “I’m paying you for the ability to buy tickets from you.” Current Browns PSL holders will receive credit toward new licenses in Brook Park, Garvin said. She noted that the original licenses sold in 1996 for roughly $250 to $1,500, while the prices at other new NFL stadiums suggest the next round could be far more expensive.

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RIDGEWAY/JOHNSONBURG ELKERS COACH

SCHEDULE

August 28......................7:00 pm ��@ St. Marys September 4.................7:00 pm ��vs. Redbank Valley September 11................7:00 pm �� @ Keystone September 18................7:00 pm �� @ Kane September 25...............7:00 pm �� vs. Union/A-C Valley October 2......................7:00 pm ��@ Cameron County October 9......................7:00 pm �� vs. Karns City October 16.....................7:00 pm �� vs. Port Allegany October 23....................7:00 pm ��@ Bucktail October 30....................7:00 pm �� @ Punxsutawney

Mark Heindl

BY THE NUMBERS

• The Ridgway/Johnsonburg Co-Op has 29 players on the roster, under the direction of Coach Mark Heindl. • Senior Rocco Allegretto caught 19 passes for 171 yards and had 79 carries for 345 yards during his junior season. • Junior kicker Mario Casilio averaged 2.2 points per game, scoring 40 points total for his sophomore season.

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Position RB/FS MLB/RB K/P TE/CB RB/CB RB/SS MLB/OLB CB/RB RB/MLB T/DE

Name Rocco Allegretto Xavier Stockman Mario Casilio Brandon Steger Owen Steger Nate Steger Jace Cenni Marcus Aiello Markus Gerg Frank Howard

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

August 27, 2026

Height 5-10 6 5-6 – – – – – 6-1 –

Weight 160 205 135 – – – – – 195 –

SAINT MARYS FLYING DUTCHMEN COACH

SCHEDULE

August 28......................7:00 pm �� vs. Ridgway/Johnsonburg September 4.................7:00 pm ��vs. Moniteau September 11................7:00 pm ��@ Brockway September 18................7:00 pm ��@ Karns City September 25...............7:00 pm �� vs. Punxsutawney October 2......................7:00 pm ��@ DuBois October 9......................7:00 pm �� vs. Central Clarion October 16.....................7:00 pm �� @ Bradford October 23....................7:00 pm �� @ Union/A-C Valley October 30....................7:00 pm �� vs. Port Allegany

Chris Dworek

BY THE NUMBERS

• St. Marys has 11 additional letterwinners: senior TJ Singer (OL/DL); juniors Ronan Burke (OL/DL), Matthew GIlmore from ECC (WR/LB), and Jace Pothoven (WR/DB); and sophomores Cooper Brouse (OL/DL), Dom Catalone (RB/LB), Will Chapman (WR/DB), Cole Dynda (OL/DL), Kadyn Galbraith (WR/DB), Mason Saline (OL/DL) and Tre Walker (OL/DL). • St. Marys finished the 2025 season 4-7. • The Dutch have 49 players on the roster for the 2026-27 season.

August 27, 2026

Position OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB TE/LB WR/DB OL/DL RB/LB RB/DB

Name Nico Assalone Desar Medina TJ Gornati Lincoln Yanak Liam Smith (ECC) Gavin Tyler Cody Thompson Vinny Shufesky Tyson Howard Bobby Steele (ECC)

2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Grade Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Soph.

Height 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-9 6 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-10

Weight 182 241 159 142 156 168 164 204 161 161

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August 27, 2026

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